Exploring Our Outdoor Gallery

Exploring Our Outdoor Gallery

The statues and murals of our Limerick city
By Kieran Beville

Rising from the banks of the River Shannon, Limerick is a place where stone and story entwine. From medieval battlements to bronze tributes, its monuments and statues whisper tales of resistance, resilience, and renaissance. To stroll through Limerick is to walk beside history in full view — carved in limestone, cast in bronze, and etched into the public imagination.

The Dockers – A Tribute to the Working Class

Along Howley’s Quay stands The Dockers, a bronze sculpture by Michael Duhan (brother of the artist/writer Eric Duhan and the Late Johnny Duhan) that honours the generations of men who laboured on Limerick’s bustling waterfront. Stoic and muscular, the figures strain under the weight of a large plank, possibly a railway sleeper. This is a striking homage to the backbone of the city’s economy throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The evocative piece reminds passers-by that Limerick’s greatness was not only built by kings and generals, but by calloused hands and honest toil.

Puc and Ruck

Located on O’Connell Street, the bronze statue of both hurler and rugby players captures the raw energy and spirit of Limerick’s love affair with sport. The dynamic bronze figures evoke the pride and passion of Limerick’s storied hurling and rugby traditions. Few cities breathe rugby like Limerick. The Rugby Statue pays homage to Munster’s legacy and the grassroots strength of the game. Our chests swell with pride when we look at that statue and recall the many great games played at Thomond Park. That stadium is not just a sports arena it is a place of pilgrimage for fans, especially those who recall Munster’s legendary 1978 victory over the All Blacks.

Richard Harris – Star of the Big Screen

In Bedford Row, actor Richard Harris is captured in a striking pose as King Arthur, this statue immortalises Harris’ magnetism and cultural significance. Whether as King Arthur in Camelot, Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter movies, or a Limerick rebel with a song (‘Someone Left My Cake Out In The Rain’) or verse, Harris remains one of the city’s most beloved figures who starred in The Field, Gladiator, This Sporting Life, A Man Called Horse and other movies.

Daniel O’Connell – The Liberator Remembered

Standing proudly at The Crescent, O’Connell Avenue, the statue of Daniel O’Connell pays homage to the 19th-century political leader known as ‘The Liberator.’ Sculpted by John Hogan and unveiled in 1857, the piece reflects Limerick’s deep connection to Ireland’s struggle for Catholic emancipation and self-governance.

Patrick Sarsfield – Hero of the Siege

No figure looms larger in Limerick’s martial legacy than Patrick Sarsfield, the Jacobite general who led the city’s defence during the Siege of 1690. His monument beside St. John’s Cathedral stands as a powerful tribute to his daring, particularly the famed Ballyneety Raid. For many, Sarsfield is the embodiment of bravery and defiance – a true son of Limerick.

Terry Wogan – Voice of a Generation

Just off the quayside at ‘Poor Man’s Kilkee’ a bronze tribute honours Terry Wogan, the beloved broadcaster and Limerick native. Depicted with his signature warm smile and a microphone in hand, the statue celebrates his legacy as a trusted voice across Britain and Ireland. It’s a place where admirers often pause to recall his wit, generosity, and enduring connection to his hometown.

Donal Mór O’Brien, King of Munster 

Within the tranquil grounds of St Mary’s Cathedral you will find a wooden statue (chainsaw-carved by Will Fogarty) of Donal Mór O’Brien, King of Munster, who gifted the site of the church in 1168. The medieval king offers a glimpse into Limerick’s ecclesiastical and royal heritage. It stands among gravestones and yew trees and serves as a silent witness to centuries of civic life woven through the cathedral’s storied past.

 

Thomas Spring Rice – Statesman in the Park

At the heart of Limerick’s People’s Park, a soaring column crowned with a statue honours Thomas Spring Rice, a 19th-century Limerick MP (1820-1832) was known for his support for union between Britain and Ireland. The monument, unveiled in 1882, is one of the city’s most elegant — its classical design and prominent setting reflect both the civic pride of Victorian Limerick and the complexity of Ireland’s political past. Framed by trees and flowerbeds, it serves as a contemplative centrepiece in the city’s most cherished green space.

A Living Gallery

Limerick’s statues do more than preserve the past. They tell the city’s story — not as one singular narrative, but as a mosaic of voices. From the battlements of King John’s Castle to the calm gardens of St Mary’s Cathedral, each sculpture contributes to a living gallery. The spirit of Limerick is written not just in books, but in bronze and stone.

Walls that Speak

In recent years, Limerick has experienced a striking visual transformation. Known primarily for its medieval and Georgian architecture and sporting spirit, the city now also pulses with a vibrant cultural heartbeat – street art. Murals in Limerick are not just background décor – they’re bold, thought-provoking narratives painted across the cityscape, bringing colour, pride, and stories to the streets.

Thanks to a growing community of artists Limerick has embraced the language of murals. These towering artworks scattered throughout the city form a kind of outdoor gallery that locals and visitors can explore through the Limerick Street Art Trail. This self-guided walking tour highlights over a dozen eye-catching pieces, each with a tale to tell — about people, place, and passion.

Michael Hogan – Limerick’s Bard Remembered

Michael Hogan was born in Thomondgate into a family of craft and music – his father, a wheelwright, also made and played flutes and fiddles. The trauma of the Great Famine left a mark on Hogan, shaping his future writing. Hogan’s poetry first appeared in the Anglo-Celt, then in The Irishman, The Nation, Munster News, and the Limerick Leader. His first book, Lays and Legends of Thomond, was published in 1861, with an expanded edition in 1867. He soon turned to satire, lampooning local figures in pamphlets that caused a stir and sold widely. In 2005, a life-size statue was unveiled at King John’s Castle Plaza, honouring the enduring legacy of Limerick’s ‘Bard of Thomond.’

Dolores O’Riordan

Just a few metres away from the Michael Hogan statue a poignant tribute stands on Castle Street – a radiant mural of the late Dolores O’Riordan, lead singer of The Cranberries and one of Limerick’s most beloved icons. Painted by the acclaimed artist Aches, it captures Dolores in vivid RGB tones, symbolising her layered presence in music and memory.

 

Dodo Reddan

Then there’s Dodo Reddan, a Limerick legend immortalised at St. John’s Pavilion. Known for her fierce love of dogs and rugby, her mural serves as a love letter to the everyday characters who give cities their soul.

The 1916 Memorial

The 1916 memorial stands among numerous monuments across the Republic of Ireland honouring those who lost their lives in the Easter Rising of 1916. Situated on Sarsfield Bridge, the monument was originally designed by sculptor Albert Power. However, it wasn't completed until 1954, when his son, James Power, brought the project to fruition following fundraising efforts that had started back in 1931.

A Living Gallery

There are other murals in Limerick. They aren’t hidden treasures – they’re meant to be found. Whether you’re wandering with intention or stumbling upon a wall that makes you pause, each mural contributes to a bigger picture of a city reclaiming its identity through creativity.

More than beautification, these murals speak to Limerick’s evolving character – proud, reflective, and increasingly open to self-expression. They honour the past, celebrate the present, and imagine a future where the walls do more than stand — they speak.